Evanston, IL -- (Sports Network) - Northwestern University has named Joe McKeown its new women's basketball coach, director of athletics and recreation Jim Phillips announced Monday.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Joe, his wife Laura, and their children to the Northwestern family," Phillips said. "There is no question that he is one of the best and most accomplished coaches in college basketball right now. Joe's experience and commitment is unmatched. His team's academic successes speak very clearly to his unwavering commitment to the most critical element of the student-athlete experience. In addition to that, Joe is just a tremendous individual who has an incredible passion for coaching student- athletes and helping them reach their potential, both as players and young adults."

McKeown had been the head women's basketball coach at George Washington University the past 19 years and brings a wealth of experience to the Wildcats. McKeown recently became the 34th head coach in Division I history to reach the 500-win mark. His 509 career victories ranks 21st on the active Division I list.

"I am very excited to become the new women's basketball coach at Northwestern University," McKeown said. "It is a wonderful opportunity for me and my family to come to Evanston and build a program in a great conference. I have been fortunate to have coached at a world-class university for the past 19 years and had so many terrific student-athletes. I will continue to use that formula at Northwestern. I want to thank Jim Phillips and his staff for allowing me to coach at such a great university."

McKeown leaves GW as the winningest coach in school history and in the Atlantic-10 conference. A five-time Atlantic-10 coach of the year, McKeown guided the Colonials to the Elite Eight in 1997.

He spent three years at New Mexico State (1986-89) before taking over at GW in 1989.